The Australian $5 Banknote
| Date of First Issue |
7 July 1992 24 April 1995 (Recoloured version) |
|---|---|
| Size | 65 x 130 mm |
| Current Signatures |
Top - GR Stevens Bottom - KR Henry |
| Front of Banknote Portrait | Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
| Back of Banknote Scene | Old and New Parliament House |
| Designer | Bruce Stewart |
Design Elements
Front
Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen's portrait is based on photographs commissioned by the Bank in 1984. The Queen gave approval to the use of this portrait on an Australian banknote in 1988.
Eucalyptus Leaves
The designer's interpretation of Eucalyptus leaves was mainly based on the species Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma).
Vignette of Gum Flower
The image within the transparent area is a stylised representative of a gum flower.
Back
Parliament House
The depictions of the Old and New Parliament Houses are based on the designer's interpretation of various architectural drawings and photographs. The Old Parliament House was opened in 1927 and the New Parliament House was opened in 1988.
Landscape Plan for New Parliament House
Based on the Design Development Landscape Plan for the New Parliament House which was provided by the Parliament House Construction Authority.
Geometric Patterns
Based on architectural features of the New Parliament House. The patterns reflect the entrance to the ministerial wing, skylight for the Members Hall and the skylight for the Main Committee room.
Security Features
The $5 banknote incorporates the following security features:
- The clear window which contains a stylised gum flower printed in it (and can be seen from either side).
- When the banknote is held up to the light, a seven pointed star within a circle is formed by four points on one side of the banknote combining perfectly with three points on the other.
- When the banknote is held up to the light also, an image of the Australian Coat of Arms can be seen under other printing.
- The words 'FIVE DOLLARS' are microprinted and can be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass.
- Slightly raised printing that can be felt with the fingers is used for the portraits and other major design elements.
- Intricate multi-coloured fine-line patterns and images appear on each side.
- Under ultra-violet light, the serial number fluoresces and a square patch becomes visible on the back of the banknote.
If you would like to see some examples of these features or find out more about the security features incorporated in our other banknotes, visit our Security Features page.
